Friday, January 11, 2008

Prime Minister Sikua Apologises for Offence Against Malaitans

Prime Minister Sikua apologises on behalf of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands to the people of Malaita for the offences and injustices that were committed against Malaita people.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has apologized to the people of Malaita for the offences and injustices that were committed against Malaita people during the recent ethnic tension.

In a public address in the provincial capital Auki yesterday, Dr Sikua said he acknowledged that Malaitans have felt they are not welcome in other parts of Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Sikua said the public apology is being made on behalf of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands for the treatment.

Dr Sikua said he was committed to ensuring that his government will work extra hard to achieve meaningful reconciliation between all peoples, as well as Malaita and Guadalcanal Provinces.

The Prime Minister said he was glad to learn that the Malaita Provincial government had commenced some reconciliation in the province.

Dr Sikua encouraged the Malaita provincial government to support the national government achieve this goal.

"Reconciliation can only be meaningful if it is based on truth. Forgiveness is only possible if there is sincere repentance. Truth, sincere repentance, and forgiveness are the prerequisites for true meaningful reconciliation."

More than 30 leaders including chiefs, community and church leaders met Prime Minister Dr Sikua and attended a luncheon hosted by the Malaita Provincial government for the Prime Minister yesterday.

TARD is a neutral, non-profit, "youth initiated, youth led" volunteer group established in August 2005 by To'abaita (a geographical region in Solomon Islands) university students studying in Fiji, with a goal to bridge community development barriers and pursue potential rural community initiatives and aspirations for North Malaita Constituency, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands.

We are also committed to promote community awareness on important issues including gender equality, human rights, health and sanitation, education, cultural preservation, and good governance in the North Malaita Constituency. TARD membership currently comprises more than fifty scholars and young working elites in several countries throughout the Pacific. We hope to achieve our vision by working in partnership with the national government, provincial leaders, rural communities, and genuine donors.

Our vision for North Malaita and the Solomon Islands is that of a safe and sustainable society, whose people are healthy and prosperous.

Our mission is working for a better tomorrow. This can be achieved by helping rural communities make informed decisions and implement potential community development initiatives that will benefit them.

2. TARD Partial Bursary Scheme for North Malaita community high school & Vocational students [At least 50 scholarships each worth SBD$200 to start in sem 2 2008 until sem 1 2009]-Supported by generous donation